1953 British Civil Defense Beret

[tweedydon]

1953 British Civil Defense Beret​

Interior circumference: 21

This is wonderful! Britain's Civil Defense Corps was a non-military organization that was founded in 1949 to be mobilized in the event of a major national emergency, with nuclear war being anticipated as the primary threat. The Corps was stood down in mainland Britain in 1968.

The black beret was standard issue, and this is a lovely example. Made in 1953 by Beret Industries--the largest wartime supplier of berets to the British military--this hat is in absolutely excellent condition, with its interior printed designation being bright and clear. It also features the Broad Arrow of the Ministry of Defence!

Made from wool, this has an interior sweat band.

This beret is in such good condition it is likely that it was never worn; indeed, it's in better condition than the Civil Defense beret held by The Imperial War Museum in London!

This is a bargain at just $27, or offer, shipped in the USA.

 

[The Wiser Hatter]

What size would be the hat size? 7 or 7 3/8?

 

[tweedydon]

The interior circumference, measured around the interior sweatband, is 21". I'm afraid that I'm unfamiliar with beret sizing.... Judging by your names your judgement here would be better than mine!

 

[The Wiser Hatter]

Well at 21” it would someone with 6 3/4 hat size. As I was born in 1953 it was interesting to me. But at 21 inches it would be way to small for me or many others. [emoji3]

 

[tweedydon]

Thank you--that's very helpful!